The near riot broke out shortly before 2 a.m. after a witness flagged down officers about five men who were overheard discussing a recent shooting at another unidentified nightclub, police said.

AMARILLO --Amarillo police arrested four men early Friday on charges ranging from assault on a public servant to participation in a riot after police scuffled with unruly bar patrons near a downtown nightclub.

Brashaud Keon Evans, 21, was arrested on a charge of participating in a riot; Aaron Dathan Davis, 21, was arrested on charges of assault on a public servant, participating in a riot and interference with public duties; Thomas Edward Brown Jr., 20, was arrested on charges of interference with public duties and participating in a riot: and Bryson Shamael Evans, 21, was arrested on a charge of interference with public duties and possession of marijuana.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt,” said Cpl. Jerry Neufeld.

The near riot broke out shortly before 2 a.m. after a witness flagged down officers about five men who were overheard discussing a recent shooting at another unidentified nightclub, police said. Officers began checking the area, spotted five men in a parking lot and the group ran from police, authorities said.

Officers said they located the men in Pink Sports Bar and Lounge, 814 S. Taylor St., and escorted Brashaud Evans outside so investigators could talk to him further, police said. As officers escorted Evans outside, Davis grabbed Brashaud Evans’ arm and tried to pull him away from the officers, authorities said.

Police then took Davis into custody and escorted him outside, police said. As officers began to explain their actions, Davis and other bar patrons began yelling at police. Bryson Evans began yelling and enticing others to get involved, police said.

The crowd began to swell and become unsettled, officers said, and Bryson Evans was arrested. Brown then shoved an officer in the chest to prevent him from arresting Bryson Evans, police said, and police took Brown into custody.

While officers were handcuffing Brown, Davis became angry, jumped on an officer’s back and began punching the officer in the head, police said. Three officers then were surrounded by bar patrons who were threatening them, and the officers called for backup because the crowd had gotten out of hand.

The crowd would not disperse, several more officers were called to the location and drew their Tasers to disperse the crowd, police said. Officers finally arrested suspects they identified as the main instigators and took them to the Potter County jail, where they remained early Friday.